Thermally stable polycrystalline diamond cutting elements and bits incorporating the same
Cutting elements are provided having substrates including end surfaces. TSP material layers extend over only a portion of the end surfaces or extend into the substrates below the end surfaces. Bits incorporating such cutting elements are also provided.
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This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/350,620, filed on Feb. 8, 2006, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,533,740 on May 19, 2009, which is based upon and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/651,341, filed on Feb. 8, 2005, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to cutting elements used in earth boring bits for drilling earth formations. More specifically, this invention relates to cutting elements incorporating thermally stable polycrystalline diamond (TSP). These cutting elements are typically mounted on a bit body which is used for drilling earth formations.
A cutting element 1 (
Generally speaking, the process for making a cutting element employs a substrate of cemented tungsten carbide where the tungsten carbide particles are cemented together with cobalt. The carbide body is placed adjacent to a layer of ultra hard material particles such as diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) particles within a refractory metal can, as for example a niobium can, and the combination is subjected to a nigh temperature at a high pressure where diamond or CBN is thermodynamically stabled. This results in the re-crystallization and formation of a polycrystalline diamond or polycrystalline cubic boron nitride ultra hard material layer on the cemented tungsten carbide substrate, i.e., it results in the formation of a cutting element having a cemented tungsten carbide substrate and an ultra hard material cutting layer. The ultra hard material layer may include tungsten carbide particles and/or small amounts of cobalt. Cobalt promotes the formation of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) or polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN). Cobalt may also infiltrate the diamond of CBN from the cemented tungsten carbide substrate.
The cemented tungsten carbide substrate is typically formed by placing tungsten carbide powder and a binder in a mold and then heating the binder to melting temperature causing the binder to melt and infiltrate the tungsten carbide particles fusing them together and cementing the substrate. Alternatively, the tungsten carbide powder may be cemented by the binder during the high temperature, high pressure process used to recrystallize the ultra hard material layer. In such case, the substrate material powder along with the binder are placed in the can, forming an assembly. Ultra hard material particles are provided over the substrate material to form the ultra hard material polycrystalline layer. The entire assembly is then subjected to a high temperature, high pressure process forming the cutting element having a substrate in a polycrystalline ultra hard material layer over it.
PCD ultra hard material cutting element cutting layers have low thermal stability and as such have lower abrasive resistance which is a detriment in high abrasive applications. Consequently, cutting elements are desired having improved thermal stability for use in high abrasive applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn an exemplary embodiment a cutting element is provided having a substrate including an end surface and a periphery, where the end surface extends to the periphery. A TSP material layer is formed over only a portion of the end surface and extends to the periphery. In another exemplary embodiment, the cutting element further includes a depression formed on the end surface and the TSP material layer extends within the depression. In a further exemplary embodiment, a channel is formed bounded on one side by the TSP material layer and on an opposite side by the end surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the channel extends to two separate locations on the periphery.
In a further exemplary embodiment, the TSP layer has a TSP layer periphery and only a single continuous portion of the TSP layer periphery extends to the periphery of the substrate. In yet another exemplary embodiment an ultra hard material layer is formed over the end surface adjacent the TSP material layer. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the end surface portion not covered by the TSP material layer is exposed.
In another exemplary embodiment, the TSP is mechanically locked with the cutting element. In a further exemplary embodiment, an elongated member penetrates at least part of the TSP layer and at least part of the cutting element locking the TSP layer to the cutting element. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the elongated member penetrates the TSP material layer and the substrate on either side of the TSP material layer locking the TSP material layer to the substrate. In another exemplary embodiment, a second substrate portion cooperates with the substrate and the TSP layer to mechanically lock the TSP layer to the substrate.
In one exemplary embodiment, a depression is formed on the end surface of the substrate having a dove-tall shape in cross-section. With this exemplary embodiment the TSP material layer also includes a dove-trail shaped portion in cross-section extending within the depression locking with the depression. In another exemplary embodiment the cutting element includes an ultra hard material layer mechanically locking the TSP material layer to the substrate.
In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the TSP layer interfaces with the substrate along an non-uniform interface. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the TSP layer interfaces with the substrate along a uniform non-planar interface.
In one exemplary embodiment, the portion of the end surface over which is formed the TSP material layer is depressed and the cutting element further includes an ultra hard material layer formed over another portion of the end surface. The TSP material layer and the ultra hard material layer each have an upper surface opposite their corresponding surfaces facing the end surface such that the upper surface of the TSP material layer and the upper surface of the ultra hard material layer define a uniform cutting element upper surface.
In another exemplary embodiment the portion of the end surface over which is formed the TSP material layer is depressed forming a depression and the TSP material layer extends diametrically across the end surface within the depression. The cutting element further includes a first ultra hard material layer and a second ultra hard material layer over other portions of the end surface. The first ultra hard material layer extends from a first side of the TSP material layer and the second ultra hard material layer extends from a second side of the TSP material layer opposite the first side. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the cutting element further includes a rod penetrating the substrate and the TSP material layer, locking the TSP material layer to the substrates.
In another exemplary embodiment the cutting element further includes a second TSP material layer formed over another portion of the end surface such that the second TSP material layer is spaced apart from the TSP material layer and extends to the periphery. The two TSP material layers may have the same or different properties. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the cutting element further includes an ultra hard material layer formed over yet another portion of the substrate end surface such that the ultra hard material layer is adjacent to both TSP material layers.
In another exemplary embodiment a cutting element is provided having a substrate having an end surface and a periphery. A TSP material layer extends into the substrate below the end surface. In a further exemplary embodiment, the TSP material layer extends obliquely into the substrate. In another exemplary embodiment, the substrate includes a pocket and the TSP material layer extends in the pocket. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the TSP material layer includes a first surface opposite a second surface such that the first surface faces in a direction toward the end surface, and such that a portion of the first surface is exposed. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a portion of the substrate extending to the periphery is removed defining a cut-out and the exposed first surface portion of the TSP material layer extends in the cut-out. In another exemplary embodiment, the TSP material layer extends obliquely away from the end surface in a direction away from the cut-out. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, TSP layer does not extend radially beyond the substrate periphery. In another exemplary embodiment, a peripheral surface extends from the first surface of the TSP material layer and an inside angle between the first surface and the TSP layer peripheral surface is less than 90°. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, a second TSP material layer extends into the substrate below the end surface.
In another exemplary embodiment a cutting element is provided having a substrate having a first portion and a second portion. The cutting element also includes a TSP material portion. In this exemplary embodiment, the first and second portions cooperate with each to mechanically lock the TSP material portion to the substrate. In a further exemplary embodiment, the substrate has an end surface and the TSP portion only extends along a portion of the end surface.
In yet another exemplary embodiment a drill bit is provide including a body. Any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiment cutting elements is mounted on the bit body. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, a drill bit is provided having a body having a rotational axis and a plurality of cutting elements mounted on the body. Each cutting element has a cutting layer having a cutting edge formed from a TSP material for cutting during drilling. The TSP material forming the cutting edges of cutting elements mounted radially farther form the rotational axis is thicker than TSP material forming the cutting edges of cutting elements mounted radially closer to the rotational axis.
In an exemplary embodiment, a cutting element for use in a bit is provided having a cutting layer, a portion of a cutting layer or a cutting layer surface formed from thermally stable polycrystalline diamond (TSP).
Use of TSP in cutting elements is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,550, issued on Jun. 26, 2007, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,426,969, issued on Sep. 23, 2008, and which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
TSP is typically formed by “leaching” the cobalt from the diamond lattice structure of polycrystalline diamond. When formed, polycrystalline diamond comprises individual diamond crystals that are interconnected defining a lattice structure. Cobalt particles are often found within the interstitial spaces in the diamond lattice structure. Cobalt has a significantly different coefficient of thermal expansion as compared to diamond, and as such upon heating of the polycrystalline diamond, the cobalt expands, causing cracking to form in the lattice structure, resulting in the deterioration of the polycrystalline diamond layer. By removing, i.e., by leaching, the cobalt from the diamond lattice structure, the polycrystalline diamond layer because more heat resistant. However, the polycrystalline diamond layer becomes more brittle. Accordingly, in certain cases, only a select portion, measured either in depth or width, of the polycrystalline layer is leached in order to gain thermal stability without losing impact resistance.
In other exemplary embodiment, TSP material is formed by forming polycrystalline diamond with a thermally compatible silicon carbide binder instead of cobalt. “TSP” as used herein refers to either of the aforementioned types of TSP materials.
In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cutting element is provided where TSP is used to form a cutting layer. In the exemplary embodiment, shown in
The terms “upper,” “lower,” “above” and “below” are used herein as relative terms to describe the relative location of parts and not the exact locations of such parts.
A TSP material layer 20 is bonded to the depression. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more depressions may be formed and a TSP material layer may be bonded in each. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
As used herein, a “uniform” interface (or surface) is one that is flat or always curves in the same direction. This can be stated differently as an interface having the first derivative of slope always having the same sign. Thus, for example, a conventional polycrystalline diamond-coated convex insert for a rock bit has a uniform interface since the center of curvature of all portions of the interface is in or through the carbide substrate.
On the other hand, a “non-uniform” interface is defined as one where the first derivative of slope has changing sign. An example of a nonuniform interface is one that is wavy with alternating peaks and valleys. Other non-uniform interfaces may have dimples, bumps, ridges (straight or curved) or grooves, or other patterns of raised and lowered regions in relief.
In another exemplary embodiment shown in
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
In an alternate exemplary embodiment, further TSP layers may be bonded to other pockets formed on the substrate. For example, the substrate may be formed with two or more pockets which may be equidistantly spaced and each of which supports a separate layer of TSP. In this regard, as one layer of TSP wears, the cutting element may be rotated within a pocket of a bit exposing another TSP layer for cutting the earth formations.
Since the thermal stability of a TSP material may be a function of the amount of cobalt in the TSP material, in an effort to prevent cobalt from the tungsten carbide substrate from infiltrating the TSP material, in any of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, the TSP material is bonded to the substrate by brazing. In one exemplary embodiment, the TSP material is brazed using microwave brazing as for example described in the paper entitled “Faster Drilling, Longer Life: Thermally Stable Diamond Drill Bit Cutters” by Robert Radke, Richard Riedel and John Hanaway of Technology International, Inc., and Dublished in the Summer 2004 edition of GasTIPS and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,693, both of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. Other methods of brazing includes high pressure, high temperature brazing and furnace or vacuum brazing.
In another exemplary embodiment, cutting elements are provided having cutting layers comprising both an ultra hard material layer, such a PCD layer or PCBN layer (individually or collectively referred to herein as an “ultra hard material layer”, as well as a TSP layer. In this regard, a cutting layer may be provided having both the higher thermal stability for high abrasive cutting of the TSP material as well as the high impact strength of the ultra hard material.
In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in
In another exemplary embodiment as shown in
In other exemplary embodiments, as for example shown in
In yet a further exemplary embodiment as shown in
In yet another exemplary embodiment, the TSP layer mechanically locks with the substrate and/or the PCD cutting layer. For example as shown in
In yet a further exemplary embodiments, the cutting edge 100 of the TSP layer 60 and/or the ultra hard material layer 64 may be chamfered. By forming a chamfer 102 (
The effects of a chamfer on the cutting edge are described in U.S. Provisional Application 60/566,751 filed on Apr. 30, 2004, and on U.S. application Ser. No. 11/117,648, filed on Apr. 28, 2005, and claiming priority on U.S. Provisional Application 60/566,751, the contents of both of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
The substrates of the exemplary embodiment cutting elements described herein maybe formed as cylindrical substrates using conventional methods. The substrates are then cut or machined to define the grooves or depressions to accommodate the TSP layer(s) using various known methods such as electrical discharge machining (EDM). In another exemplary embodiment, the substrates are molded with the appropriate grooves or depressions. This may be accomplished by using mold materials which can be easily removed to define the appropriate cut-outs or depressions to accommodate the TSP layer(s). One such mold material may be sand.
Similarly, a cutting element may be formed using conventional sintering methods having an ultra hard material layer. EDM is then used to cut the ultra hard material layer and any portion of the substrate, as necessary, for accommodating the TSP layer. The TSP layer is then bonded to the substrate using any of the aforementioned or any other suitable known brazing techniques.
In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the substrate is provided with the appropriate grooves or cut-outs as necessary. The substrate is placed in the appropriate refractory metal can. A mold section made from a material which can withstand the high temperature and pressures of sintering and which can be easily removed after sintering is used to occupy the location that will be occupied by the TSP layer. Diamond particles are then placed over the substrate along with the appropriate binder. The can is then covered and sintered such that the diamond material bonds to the substrate. The mold section is then removed defining the location for the attachment of the TSP layer.
In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the TSP may be initially formed as a polycrystalline diamond layer formed over a substrate using known sintering methods. In an exemplary embodiment where the TSP is required to have a non-uniform interface for interfacing with the substrate, a PCD layer 110 is formed over a substrate 112 having the desired non-uniform interface 114, as for example shown in
Some exemplary TSP materials that may be used with a cutting element of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,224,380; 4,505,746; 4,636,253; 6,132,675; 6,435,058; 6,481,511; 6,544,308; 6,562,462; 6,585,064 and 6,589,640 all of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. The geometry of the TSP materials may also be changed by cutting the TSP materials using known methods such as EDM.
In a further exemplary embodiment, the cutting elements of the present invention may be strategically positioned at different locations on a bit depending on the required impact and abrasion resistance. This allows for the tailoring of the cutting by the bit for the earth formation to be drilled. For example, the cutting elements 200 furthest away from the rotational axis 211 of the bit 210 may have more TSP material 212 at their cutting edge. (
In other exemplary embodiments, inserts incorporating TSP materials in accordance with the present invention may be used in rotary cone bits which are used in drilling earth formations.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated to respect to multiple embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited, since changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention as hereinafter claimed.
Claims
1. A cutting element comprising:
- a substrate comprising a first portion defining an end surface of said substrate and a second portion; and
- at least a TSP material portion, wherein said TSP material portion is a polycrystalline diamond portion selected from the group of polycrystalline diamond portions consisting essentially of polycrystalline diamond portions having at least some of a cobalt in such polycrystalline diamond portions leached and polycrystalline diamond layers formed with a thermally compatible silicone carbide binder, wherein at least a first section of said at least a TSP material portion obliquely penetrates said substrate, wherein said at least a first section is mechanically locked by said first and second substrate portions in at least one direction, wherein said TSP material portion comprises a second section having a first surface opposite a second surface, wherein said first surface extends beyond the end surface and is exposed and the second surface faces the substrate.
2. The cutting element as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least a TSP material portion extends below a portion of the end surface.
3. A drill bit comprising a body, wherein the cutting element as recited in claim 1 is mounted on said body.
4. The cutting element as recited in claim 1 wherein the first surface extends obliquely relative to the end surface.
5. A cutting element comprising:
- a substrate comprising a body extending in axial direction and having an end surface extending across said axial direction, and a depression extending into said body through said end surface; and
- at least a TSP material portion comprising at least a first section extending into said depression, said first section being mechanically locked relative to the substrate in said axial direction and a second section axially extending above said end surface, said second section having a first surface opposite a second surface, wherein a portion of the end surface extends beyond said first surface in a first direction and another portion of the end surface extends beyond the second surface in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein said TSP material portion is a polycrystalline diamond portion selected from the group of polycrystalline diamond portions consisting essentially of polycrystalline diamond portions having at least some of a cobalt in such polycrystalline diamond portions leached and polycrystalline diamond layers formed with a thermally compatible silicone carbide binder.
6. The cutting element as recited in claim 5 wherein said at least a first section has a generally dove-tail shape in cross-section and wherein said substrate depression has a generally dove-tail shape in cross-section, wherein said depression receives said at least a first section mechanically locking said TSP portion in said axial direction.
7. The cutting element as recited in claim 5 further comprising a first ultra hard material layer adjacent said at least TSP material layer portion.
8. The cutting element as recited in claim 7 further comprising a second ultra hard material layer adjacent said at least a TSP material layer portion, wherein at least a portion of said TSP material portion is sandwiched between said first and second ultra hard material layers.
9. The cutting element as recited in claim 5 further comprising a member, wherein said member locks said at least a first section relative to the substrate in said axial direction.
10. The cutting element as recited in claim 9 wherein said member penetrates said substrate and said at least a first section mechanically locking said at least a TSP portion relative to the substrate in said at least one direction.
11. The cutting element as recited in claim 10 wherein said at least a first section comprises a first surface opposite a second surface and a thickness there-between, wherein said member extends through the entire thickness and in a first direction beyond the first surface of said at least a first section and in a second direction opposite the first direction beyond the second surface of said at least a first section.
12. The cutting element as recited in claim 10 wherein the member and the substrate are formed from the same material.
13. The cutting element as recited in claim 10 wherein the member is a rod penetrating a first portion of the substrate, the at least a first section and a second portion of the substrate, wherein the at least a first section is sandwiched between said two portions of the substrate.
14. The cutting element as recited in claim 10 further comprising a first ultra hard material layer adjacent said at least a TSP material portion.
15. The cutting element as recited in claim 14 further comprising a second ultra hard material layer adjacent said at least a TSP material portion, wherein said at least a section is sandwiched between said first and second ultra hard material layers.
16. A drill bit comprising a body, wherein the cutting element as recited in claim 10 is mounted on said body.
17. A drill bit comprising a body, wherein the cutting element as recited in claim 5 is mounted on said body.
18. A drill bit comprising a body having a rotational axis and a plurality of cutting elements mounted on the body, each cutting element having a cutting layer having a cutting edge formed from a TSP material for cutting during drilling, wherein the TSP material forming the cutting edges of cutting elements mounted radially farther from the rotational axis is thicker than the TSP material forming the cutting edges of cutting elements mounted radially closer to the rotational axis, wherein said TSP material is a polycrystalline diamond material selected from the group of polycrystalline diamond materials consisting essentially of polycrystalline diamond materials having at least some of a cobalt in such polycrystalline diamond materials leached and polycrystalline diamond materials formed with a thermally compatible silicone carbide binder.
19. A cutting element comprising: wherein at least a portion of said TSP material portion is sandwiched between said first and second ultra hard material layers.
- a substrate;
- a TSP material portion mechanically locked relative to the substrate in at least one direction, wherein said TSP material portion is a polycrystalline diamond portion selected from the group of polycrystalline diamond portions consisting essentially of polycrystalline diamond portions having at least some of a cobalt in such polycrystalline diamond portions leached and polycrystalline diamond layers foamed with a thermally compatible silicone carbide binder;
- a first ultra hard material layer adjacent said TSP material layer portion; and
- a second ultra hard material layer adjacent said TSP material layer portion,
20. A cutting element comprising:
- a substrate; and
- a TSP material portion mechanically locked relative to the substrate in at least one direction, wherein said TSP material portion is a polycrystalline diamond portion selected from the group of polycrystalline diamond portions consisting essentially of polycrystalline diamond portions having at least some of a cobalt in such polycrystalline diamond portions leached and polycrystalline diamond layers formed with a thermally compatible silicone carbide binder; and
- a member, wherein said member locks said TSP material portion relative to the substrate in said at least one direction, wherein said TSP material portion is received within a depression on said substrate and wherein said member penetrates said substrate and said TSP portion mechanically locking said TSP portion relative to the substrate in said at least one direction, wherein said TSP material portion comprises a first surface opposite a second surface and a thickness there-between, wherein said member extends through the entire thickness and in a first direction beyond the first surface and in a second direction opposite the first direction beyond the second surface.
21. A cutting element comprising:
- a substrate; and
- a TSP material portion mechanically locked relative to the substrate in at least one direction, wherein said TSP material portion is a polycrystalline diamond portion selected from the group of polycrystalline diamond portions consisting essentially of polycrystalline diamond portions having at least some of a cobalt in such polycrystalline diamond portions leached and polycrystalline diamond layers formed with a thermally compatible silicone carbide binder; and
- a member, wherein said member locks said TSP material portion relative to the substrate in said at least one direction, wherein said TSP material portion is received within a depression on said substrate and wherein said member penetrates said substrate and said TSP portion mechanically locking said TSP portion relative to the substrate in said at least one direction, wherein the member is a rod penetrating a first portion of the substrate, the TSP material portion, and a second portion of the substrate, wherein at least a portion of said TSP material portion is sandwiched between said two portions of the substrate.
22. A cutting element comprising:
- a substrate; and
- a TSP material portion mechanically locked relative to the substrate in at least one direction, wherein said TSP material portion is a polycrystalline diamond portion selected from the group of polycrystalline diamond portions consisting essentially of polycrystalline diamond portions having at least some of a cobalt in such polycrystalline diamond portions leached and polycrystalline diamond layers formed with a thermally compatible silicone carbide binder;
- a member, wherein said member locks said TSP material portion relative to the substrate in said at least one direction, wherein said TSP material portion is received within a depression on said substrate and wherein said member penetrates said substrate and said TSP portion mechanically locking said TSP portion relative to the substrate in said at least one direction; and
- a first ultra hard material layer adjacent said TSP material portion.
23. The cutting element as recited in claim 22 further comprising a second ultra hard material layer adjacent said TSP material portion, wherein at least a portion of said TSP material portion is sandwiched between said first and second ultra hard material layers.
24. A cutting element comprising:
- a substrate comprising a body extending in axial direction and having an end surface extending across said axial direction, and a depression extending into said body through said end surface;
- at least a TSP material portion comprising at least a section extending into said depression, said section being mechanically locked relative to the substrate in said axial direction, wherein said TSP material portion is a polycrystalline diamond portion selected from the group of polycrystalline diamond portions consisting essentially of polycrystalline diamond portions having at least some of a cobalt in such polycrystalline diamond portions leached and polycrystalline diamond layers formed with a thermally compatible silicone carbide binder;
- a first ultra hard material layer adjacent said at least TSP material layer portion; and
- a second ultra hard material layer adjacent said at least a TSP material layer portion, wherein at least a portion of said TSP material portion is sandwiched between said first and second ultra hard material layers.
25. A cutting element comprising:
- a substrate comprising a body extending in axial direction and having an end surface extending across said axial direction, and a depression extending into said body through said end surface;
- at least a TSP material portion comprising at least a section extending into said depression, said section being mechanically locked relative to the substrate in said axial direction, wherein said TSP material portion is a polycrystalline diamond portion selected from the group of polycrystalline diamond portions consisting essentially of polycrystalline diamond portions having at least some of a cobalt in such polycrystalline diamond portions leached and polycrystalline diamond layers formed with a thermally compatible silicone carbide binder; and
- a member, wherein said member locks said at least a section relative to the substrate in said axial direction, wherein said member penetrates said substrate and said at least a section mechanically locking said at least a TSP portion relative to the substrate in said at least one direction, wherein said at least a section comprises a first surface opposite a second surface and a thickness there-between, and wherein said member extends through the entire thickness and in a first direction beyond the first surface and in a second direction opposite the first direction beyond the second surface.
26. A cutting element comprising:
- a substrate comprising a body extending in axial direction and having an end surface extending across said axial direction, and a depression extending into said body through said end surface;
- at least a TSP material portion comprising at least a section extending into said depression, said section being mechanically locked relative to the substrate in said axial direction, wherein said TSP material portion is a polycrystalline diamond portion selected from the group of polycrystalline diamond portions consisting essentially of polycrystalline diamond portions having at least some of a cobalt in such polycrystalline diamond portions leached and polycrystalline diamond layers formed with a thermally compatible silicone carbide binder; and
- a member, wherein said member locks said at least a section relative to the substrate in said axial direction, wherein said member penetrates said substrate and said at least a section mechanically locking said at least a TSP portion relative to the substrate in said at least one direction, wherein the member is a rod penetrating a first portion of the substrate, the at least a section and a second portion of the substrate, and wherein the at least section is sandwiched between said two portions of the substrate.
27. A cutting element comprising:
- a substrate comprising a body extending in axial direction and having an end surface extending across said axial direction, and a depression extending into said body through said end surface;
- at least a TSP material portion comprising at least a section extending into said depression, said at least a section being mechanically locked relative to the substrate in said axial direction, wherein said TSP material portion is a polycrystalline diamond portion selected from the group of polycrystalline diamond portions consisting essentially of polycrystalline diamond portions having at least some of a cobalt in such polycrystalline diamond portions leached and polycrystalline diamond layers formed with a thermally compatible silicone carbide binder;
- member, wherein said member locks said at least a section relative to the substrate in said axial direction, wherein said member penetrates said substrate and said at least a section mechanically locking said at least a TSP portion relative to the substrate in said at least one direction; and
- a first ultra hard material layer adjacent said at least a TSP material portion.
28. A cutting element comprising:
- a substrate comprising a body extending in axial direction and having an end surface extending across said axial direction, and a depression extending into said body through said end surface;
- at least a TSP material portion comprising at least a section extending into said depression, said section being mechanically locked relative to the substrate in said axial direction, wherein said TSP material portion is a polycrystalline diamond portion selected from the group of polycrystalline diamond portions consisting essentially of polycrystalline diamond portions having at least some of a cobalt in such polycrystalline diamond portions leached and polycrystalline diamond layers formed with a thermally compatible silicone carbide binder;
- a member, wherein said member locks said at least a section relative to the substrate in said axial direction, wherein said member penetrates said substrate and said at least a section mechanically locking said at least a TSP portion relative to the substrate in said at least one direction;
- a first ultra hard material layer adjacent said at least a TSP material portion; and
- a second ultra hard material layer adjacent said at least a TSP material portion, wherein said at least a section is sandwiched between said first and second ultra hard material layers.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Apr 1, 2009
Date of Patent: Nov 23, 2010
Patent Publication Number: 20090183925
Assignee: Smith International, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Inventors: Youhe Zhang (Tomball, TX), Yuelin Shen (Houston, TX), Madapusi K. Keshavan (The Woodlands, TX), Michael G. Azar (The Woodlands, TX)
Primary Examiner: Shane Bomar
Attorney: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP
Application Number: 12/416,817
International Classification: E21B 10/573 (20060101); E21B 10/46 (20060101);